New French-Saudi initiative seeks to disarm Hamas and recast them politically

France and Saudi Arabia are, according to a Bloomberg report, collaborating on a diplomatic plan to disarm Hamas and lay the groundwork for the group’s eventual dismantling, according to regional sources.

The initiative, which is still in early stages, envisions transforming Hamas into a non-military political entity that could play a limited role in a future Palestinian government.

Saudi officials have been in direct contact with Hamas leadership as part of the effort, proposing a framework in which Hamas would relinquish its weapons in exchange for retaining some level of political influence. The underlying belief among negotiators is that offering Hamas a continued, albeit reduced, role in Palestinian politics could increase the group’s willingness to disarm, thereby easing regional tensions and paving the way for broader governance reform.